Explosions and heavy gunfire were reported in the Libyan capital Tripoli as rebel forces claimed they had launched an offensive against Muammar Gaddafi's forces in coordination with Nato.

Embattled Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is arming civilian supporters in order to quash dissent in Tripoli with checkpoints and roving patrols, the capital’s residents claimed today.

MILITIAS loyal to Muammar Gaddafi shot and killed protesters as they streamed from mosques and marched across the Libyan capital yesterday to demand an end to the regime.

Militias loyal to Muammar Gaddafi have opened fire on protesters streaming out of mosques and marching across the Libyan capital.

Pro-Gaddafi forces have fired in the air to disperse marches by regime opponents defying a fierce clampdown in the Libyan capital Tripoli.